For the past 12 years, the Sports Celebrities Festival has helped to raise money for both the Canucks for Kids Fund and Special Olympics BC. Last year’s event alone raised over $285,000.
[Aaron Volpatti]
[Sami Salo & Alexander Sulzer]
Last night, I was invited to attend a pre-dinner reception that featured members of the Vancouver Canucks, Canucks Alumni, Vancouver Whitecaps, BC Lions, Canadian Olympic gold medalist Ashleigh McIvor, comedian Brent Butt and Special Olympics BC athletes.
The beautiful Vancouver Convention Centre West formed the backdrop for a speed raffle, Pucks for Bucks (where guests chose a puck from a wall to have it autographed by a Vancouver Canuck), a photo booth with various Vancouver Canucks posing with the Art Ross Trophy, Selke Trophy, and Jennings Trophy, Wii games and table hockey.
[Roberto Luongo & Cory Schneider with the Jennings Trophy]
[Ryan Kesler with the Selke Trophy]
[Daniel & Henrik Sedin with the Art Ross Trophy]
[Manny Malhotra enjoying a game of table hockey]
[Chris Higgins]
[Alex Burrows]
Most of the Canucks were on hand, including coach Alain Vigneault, to help raise money for these two prominent local causes. I was impressed by both the sheer amount and variety of silent auction items available for bidding, including a team signed stick, Canucks tickets, specialty wines, an iPhone 4, and even a chance to go on the road with the team.
The silent auction opened at 5:30. The evening featured three master of ceremonies: Brent Butt, John Shorthouse, and Tamara Taggart. I have no doubt that last night’s event will prove to be another successful fundraiser.
Although I wasn’t able to stay for the dinner, I’m certain that Convention Centre Executive Chef Blair Rasmussen created a top notch feast for both our local sports heroes and attendees!
